Assad named director of Defense procurement

The Defense Department has named a Marine Corps assistant deputy commandant as the new director of Defense procurement and acquisition policy.

The Defense Department has named a Marine Corps assistant deputy commandant as the new director of Defense procurement and acquisition policy.

Effective April 2, Shay Assad replaces Deidre Lee, who left the DOD post in August 2005. Lee starts next month as the acting deputy director of operations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Domenico Cipicchio had been filling in as acting director of Defense procurement.

"Mr. Assad brings with him extensive executive management and procurement experience from both industry and defense," said Kenneth J. Krieg, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, in a Defense announcement.

Assad previously served as the assistant deputy commandant for installations and logistics for the Marines. He has also worked in various program and business management positions for Raytheon Co., most recently as the chairman and CEO of Raytheon's Engineering and Construction business.

Assad graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1972 and served two tours of duty aboard Navy destroyers.

Dawn S. Onley is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.